A file video grab from KCNA shows the Unha-3 rocket launching at the North Korea's West Sea Satellite Launch Site, at the satellite control centre in the North Pyongan province in Pyongyang on Dec. 13, 2012.

“We do not conceal the fact that, in this all-out war of confrontation, which is a new stage of the anti-U.S. struggle century after century, various satellites and long-range rockets which we will launch one after another and a high-level nuclear test that we will conduct will all target the United States, our people's arch-enemy.”

— Jan. 24 statement from North Korea’s National Defense Commission, Pyongyang’s most powerful body. It almost reminds you of a spoiled and screaming (albeit perhaps nuclear-armed) toddler.